LONDON
The Goan community gathered in large numbers to celebrate the third traditional dine & dance ‘3 Kings Feast Gala Nite 2026’ at the Cranford Community College Concert Hall in London on January 6.
Hosted by Swiston and Sanfia Antao of Swisan Creations, the event which recreated a traditional dance in Cansaulim-Goa to mark the Feast of the Three Kings celebrated faith, culture, music, and community, bringing together families, friends, and well-wishers in the UK.
THE DINE & DANCE
The event featured live performances from the band ‘Royals’, DJ Ethax (Scotland), Johnson, and Velfern, while Emcees Pontes and Rochelle engaged the crowd throughout the night.
Guests were treated to a festive atmosphere, traditional cuisine, and a night of music and dance.
The Rs 1 lakh housie prize was won by Vallis Martins, adding great cheer and excitement to the celebrations.
The event was supported by Vailankanni Café, Velsao–Pale, the title sponsor, along with several other sponsors and community partners.
Aman Coelho captured every moment of the evening, while Triple H Security ensured the event ran smoothly and securely. Savio and Cleona provided the décor that elevated the overall ambiance.
THE CHIEF GUEST
Clayton Barreto, Social Secretary to the Indian High Commissioner at the High Commission of India in the UK was the chief guest and was welcomed by Sanfia Gracias, Director of Swisan Creations.
Swiston Antao, Director of Swisan Creations, Barreto with a commemorative memento and certificate of appreciation in recognition of his service to the Goan community in the UK.
In his address, Barreto said the Feast of the Three Kings is not just an event, it is a celebration of faith, heritage, and unity.
“This celebration is especially meaningful to me. My family, the Barretos, originate from Pale-Velsao, and I proudly say that I am a grandson of Velsao,” said Barreto.
“Although we did not live there, Velsao was always part of our lives. We visited time and again, strengthening our bond with the village, its people, and its traditions. I have been told by my ancestors that my family reached out to many villagers in the past — from assisting in the building of the Velsao Church to helping those in need.”
“Our ancestral house in Velsao still exists today — a living reminder that no matter where life takes us, our roots remain firmly planted in Velsao and our Goan soil.”
Stating that events like 3 Kings Feast Gala Nite remind Goans about their roots, their faith and unshakeable spirit, Barreto praised Swisan Creations for keeping the tradition of the Feast of the Three Kings alive among Goans in the UK.
Turning his attention to Goan identity, Barreto said this identity entails a way of life, which includes warmth, hospitality, music, food and faith.
“But being Goan also comes with responsibility. Every smile we share, every helping hand we extend, and every tradition we keep alive tells the world who we truly are. Our heritage is not something we simply celebrate — it is something we carry, protect, and pass on,” remarked Barreto.
“Life in the UK moves fast, but our faith grounds us, family strengthens us, and community keeps us connected — and that is what makes the Goan community shine wherever we are.”
“Living away from Goa does not weaken our roots — it strengthens them. So let us teach our children the beauty of Konkani, the stories of our villages, what we did in our towns and across Goa, and the joy of coming together as one Goan family.”
“One day, they will carry our story forward. Let them know Goa not only through photos or the internet, but through lived faith, culture, and tradition,” he added.
THE TRADITION
“The Three Kings Feast or the Feast of Epiphany is one of the unique feasts celebrated in the villages of Cansaulim, Chandor and Reis Magos on January 6. The feast was always followed by a Traditional Gala Night in Cansaulim, which was attended by people from all over Goa,” explained Swiston Antao, who successfully organised the dance at Cansaulim in 2016.
“Right from my youth days, I never missed this gala dance in my village of Cansaulim. I have fond memories of this dance. In 2016, I decided to organise the dance as I did not want the tradition to die down.”
“In 2017, I moved to the UK and seven years later, I felt the urge to organise this traditional Goan dance here in the UK as we have a lot of our brethren who used to attend this dance back in Goa but miss it here.”
Swiston decided to recreate this traditional Goan dance in the UK under the banner of Swisan Creations (Swiston & Sanfia).
“This year, our focus was on families and children, as our aim is to build and grow together within our communities. This event represents a small yet meaningful step toward fostering stronger relationships,” said Swiston Antao.
“With a vision to preserve our culture and traditions away from our motherland, the Three Kings Feast Gala Night is here to stay. We look forward to celebrating with everyone next year at the 4th Traditional Three Kings Feast Gala Night in 2027.”
